Moorpark College’s Performing Arts Center was filled with a whimsical delight on Friday during “Americana!” The choir and orchestra joined forces to captivate the hearts of every audience member with their beautiful renditions of pieces by modern American composers.

Brandon Elliott, director of Choral and Vocal Activities, Choral program and music director, tries not to hold expectations when it comes to performances, so that they always exceed his expectations, he said.

“One of [the reasons for the event] is to give our students who are mostly music majors an opportunity to perform—particularly to collaborate both chorally and with the orchestra,” said Elliott. “The other part of it is to share music with the community so people know what we do here on this campus.”

According to Elliot, rehearsals can be challenging; especially the beginning when students are just getting music for the first time.

“[The students] have never seen any of these pieces before, but the students here, with their training here, they learn so quickly,” said Elliot.

The night started out with a beautiful piece by George Gershwin, “An American in Paris,” conducted by symphony orchestra music director James Song. Followed by the Moorpark College Vocal Ensemble’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “At The River” conducted by Elliott.

Following those two pieces, the vocal ensemble and concert choir joined together in performing pieces such as:

• “Sure On This Shining Night” by Samuel Barber

• “Sure On This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen

• “Ching-A-Ring-Chaw” by Aaron Copland

Some other pieces performed by the Symphony Orchestra and Choir included:

• “Candide Overture” by Leonard Bernstein (conducted by Song)

• “Stomp Your Foot” from The Tender Land by Aaron Copland (conducted by Elliot)

• “The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land by Aaron Copland (conducted by Elliot)

“Americana!” gave music students a chance to showcase their talents in the most glorious way. Dawn Moran, a music major who performed in the concert choir as a soprano and alto, felt that the night exceeded her expectations during her final semester at the college and in the choir.

“It’s been kind of emotional knowing it is my last semester,” said Moran. “It’s hard to believe this could be the last performance here.”

According to Moran, she is grateful to be a part of “Americana!” and that Moorpark has this program.

The PAC’s main stage auditorium was filled with students and community members, and some students were in fact music majors themselves who came to support their fellow musicians.

George Blecher, 26-year-old music major, came to “Americana!” to support his friend: orchestra assistant Andrew Robinson, who also performed as a percussionist during the event.

According to Blecher, one of his favorite pieces of the night was George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.”

“It was super jazzy,” said Blecher. “I am a jazz music major, so it was very nice.”

Being highly influenced by music and after seeing the beautiful collaboration of “Americana!,” Blecher has considered playing in the orchestra whether it’s percussion, tuba or his main instrument: jazz guitar.

“Americana!” gave the audience a taste of historical masterpieces, leaving them delighted and craving more.

“I feel like listening to live music now; classical or non-classical,” said Blecher. “Anything with the right people and atmosphere is very enjoyable and soothing and healthy.”